UNICEF West and Central Africa Office Humanitarian Situation Report No. 2 (Coastal Countries - Sahel Crisis Spillover) for 01 January to 31 December 2024 (End of Year)

HIGHLIGHTS

• In 2024, UNICEF continued to work closely with the governments of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo to address humanitarian needs. Joint efforts included conducting nutritional screenings for 147,000 children for wasting, providing treatment to 39,000 children aged 6-59 months with severe wasting and vaccinating 310,000 children against measles. 78,000 children received access to formal and non-formal learning including early learning.
• The deterioration of the security situation in Burkina Faso and Mali has led to the displacement of 166,000 people into neighboring coastal countries. Côte d'Ivoire has seen a sharp increase in asylum-seekers over the past year and currently hosts 65,962 individuals from Burkina Faso.
• Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of floods, while also exacerbating dry spells. In 2024, floods have affected 135,000 people across Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. Ghana has also experienced a severe drought, with children being particularly vulnerable to its effects.